Amid one of California's driest years on record, the Assembly and Senate voted Thursday to approve SB103 and SB104 and send the legislation to Gov. Jerry Brown.
The plan redirects money in the state budget and draws from two previously approved bonds.
The legislation will take effect immediately if signed by the governor, as expected.
6:30 A.M.
By: Katie Orr -- It appears California lawmakers will vote Thursday on emergency legislation that would allocate hundreds of millions of dollars for drought relief.
The emergency legislation would allocate more than $687 million for projects that would capture, store and recycle water. It would also fund emergency drinking water supplies for some communities.
Right now, at least 10 communities in California are in danger of running out of water. Much of the money would come from unallocated water infrastructure bonds.
The drought relief package was announced last week by Governor Jerry Brown and legislative leaders. Once the legislation passes and the governor signs it, money designated for food and drinking water assistance will start flowing immediately.
Emergency Drought Package
Photo: California Department of Water Resources / NASA.gov
Take a look at what communities across the state are doing to address the drought. This map was produced by the Association of California Water Agencies:
Mandatory Restrictions
Voluntary Measures
Agricultural Reductions
Other actions
Drought Emergency / Water Shortage Declared
January 28, 2022Last year, California saw everything from intense drought to torrential rain. Researchers and water agencies say that the future of the state’s drought depends on adapting to these shifts.
November 11, 2021As the drought dries up California’s wetlands, traveling birds such as ducks, geese and eagles are struggling to survive and breed. “This drought is bad. The odds are against us,” a state expert said.
June 23, 2021Drought resilience depends on location but also extraordinary engineering — determining which California places are running out of water this year and which remain in good shape.
June 17, 2021About 4,300 users were issued notices to halt diversions from the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta.
June 5, 2021Experts say the current drought is hotter and drier than previous ones, meaning water is evaporating faster.
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